A simple, basic Will is a good starting pint, but it gives very limited protection for your estate. It allows you to name guardians for your children and leave everything outright to your chosen beneficiaries.

It does not cover any ‘WHAT IFS’

What if your partner re-marries following your death?

What if your beneficiaries need residential care?

What if your children are under 18, or are not good at handling money?

What if your beneficiaries are vulnerable – going through a divorce, have financial problems or are drug or alcohol dependant at the time of your death?

What if your beneficiaries are in receipt of means tested benefits?

More detailed trust planning can protect your estate to ensure you pass on the maximum possible to your loved ones.

Many people think a Lasting Power of Attorney is just something for the elderly. Anyone can lose capacity at any time due to an accident or illness. They are also a very useful tool allowing a person to deal with another’s affairs (with their consent) if they are unable to simply by not being there at the time needed. How many times have you called a supplier and they have asked ‘are you the account holder?’ If you are not, they cannot speak to you about an issue – if you have Power of Attorney, they can.